SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CHARGING AN ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM FOR AN ELECTRIC OR HYBRID-ELECTRIC VEHICLE
First Claim
1. An electrical charging system comprising:
- a first charging coil;
at least one energy storage device coupled to the first charging coil;
an energy charging station comprising;
a second charging coil disposed on a movable positioner, wherein the second charging coil is coupleable to an electrical energy source;
at least one drive mechanism configured to translate the movable positioner; and
a system controller configured to;
detect an event indicative of a proximity of the first charging coil to the energy charging station;
translate the movable positioner such that the second charging coil is substantially aligned with, and closely spaced apart from, the first charging coil to form an electrical transformer; and
initiate a charging cycle configured to transfer electrical energy to the at least one energy storage device via the electrical transformer.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for electrical charging is disclosed. The electrical charging system comprises a first charging coil and an energy storage device coupled to the first charging coil. The energy charging system further comprises an energy charging station comprising a second charging coil disposed on a movable positioner, wherein the second charging coil is coupleable to an electrical energy source, at least one drive mechanism configured to translate the movable positioned, and a system controller. The system controller is configured to detect an event indicative of a proximity of the first charging coil to the energy charging station, translate the movable positioner such that the second charging coil is substantially aligned with, and closely spaced apart from, the first charging coil to form an electrical transformer, and initiate a charging cycle configured to transfer electrical energy to the at least one energy storage device via the electrical transformer.
181 Citations
22 Claims
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1. An electrical charging system comprising:
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a first charging coil; at least one energy storage device coupled to the first charging coil; an energy charging station comprising; a second charging coil disposed on a movable positioner, wherein the second charging coil is coupleable to an electrical energy source; at least one drive mechanism configured to translate the movable positioner; and a system controller configured to; detect an event indicative of a proximity of the first charging coil to the energy charging station; translate the movable positioner such that the second charging coil is substantially aligned with, and closely spaced apart from, the first charging coil to form an electrical transformer; and initiate a charging cycle configured to transfer electrical energy to the at least one energy storage device via the electrical transformer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of charging a vehicle, the method comprising:
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detecting a vehicle in proximity to an energy charging station, wherein the vehicle comprises a first charging coil and the energy charging station comprises a second charging coil disposed on a movable armature; initiating a charge cycle request based on the detection of the vehicle; manipulating the movable armature such that the second charging coil is moved in the direction of the first charging coil; detecting a position of the first charging coil by at least one of; determining a level of energy transfer between the first charging coil and the second charging coil; and detecting an ultrasonic signal emitted from a location near the first charging coil; manipulating the movable armature to align the second charging coil with the first charging coil to form an electrical transformer; and charging an energy storage device of the vehicle by way of the electrical transformer. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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16. An energy charging apparatus comprising:
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a primary charging coil located on a movable armature, wherein the primary charging coil is electrically connected to an electrical energy source; at least one drive mechanism configured to translate the movable armature in at least two dimensions; and a system controller configured to; detect the presence of a secondary charging coil located externally to the energy charging apparatus; detect the location of the secondary charging coil; translate the movable armature and primary charging coil in the direction of the secondary charging coil such that the primary charging coil is substantially aligned with, and closely spaced apart from, the secondary charging coil; and initiate a charging cycle to charge at least one energy storage device, wherein the at least one energy storage device is charged via at least one of an electrical transformer formed by the primary charging coil and the secondary charging coil and a conductive electrical coupler. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification